'92 Civic turns over/will not start

Discussion in 'Civic' started by Redwood, Oct 11, 2003.

  1. Redwood

    Redwood Guest

    My daughters '92 Civic 1.5L (automatic trans.) turns over, but will not
    start. It was towed to a shop where they say everything on the ignition
    checks-out (Coil, ICM (igniter), Main Relay, etc...). They believe the
    problem is the computer, however, they will not order one to try it out. I
    have to tow it to someone else (i.e the dealer) to have further diagnosis
    done. Is there anything they or I could be over looking.

    Thanks
     
    Redwood, Oct 11, 2003
    #1
  2. Redwood

    Eric Guest

    Does the car have spark? You can easily check it with a tool such as
    http://tinyurl.com/kg1a.

    Eric
     
    Eric, Oct 11, 2003
    #2
  3. Redwood

    E. Meyer Guest

    Are they saying that everything checks out, but there is no spark?

    Did they check that the electric fuel pump works and verify that it is
    delivering fuel to the engine?

    It is reasonable that they would not order a computer just to check it out
    unless you agree to pay for it whether it fixes the problem or not.
    Otherwise if that doesn't fix it, they would be stuck with an expensive,
    unique part and/or a disgruntled customer.

    It seems obvious that they are not familiar with or properly equipped to
    diagnose your Civic. A lot of places would bleed your wallet dry even
    though they don't know how to fix it. You should thank them for not cleaning
    out your bankbook and take it somewhere else.
     
    E. Meyer, Oct 11, 2003
    #3
  4. Redwood

    Redwood Guest

    Yes, they checked everything that they knew except the computer. It is
    getting fuel, but no spark. They replaced the distributer two weeks ago
    after the same no start condition. They suspected the reman distributer (it
    has a 90 warranty) may have gone bad, but after trying 3 more remans and
    tracing through the main relay they gave up. I'm only out the tow bill this
    time. They only charge a diagnosis fee if they can figure it out. I now
    have to tow it to a different shop. I know a mechanic that specilizes in
    electrical problems. Thats were it will go next.

    Thanks
     
    Redwood, Oct 12, 2003
    #4
  5. Redwood

    Randolph Guest

    Over the years there have been a few posts in this NG about failed
    "igniters" or Ignition Control Modules (ECM) on that generation Civic.
    This is a US$ 75 part (don't know where you are located), as opposed to
    the > US$ 600 for the ECU. I know your shop said the igniter was OK, but
    they could be wrong.

    You can do a rudimentary check of the ECU by checking the signal on the
    YEL/GRN wire to the distributor/coil assembly. This is the signal from
    the ECU to the ICM. The best way to check is with an oscilloscope, which
    most people do not keep around the house. The second best is an old
    analog voltmeter (the needle kind). Connect the scope or voltmeter
    between ground and the YEL/GRN wire. (do not disconnect anything, I
    sometimes use a sowing needle probe inside the connectors if my scope /
    voltmeter probes are not sharp enough). When cranking the engine you
    should see something close to a square wave on the scope, or see the
    needle jumping back and forth on the voltmeter (set it to the 10V
    setting). If you do see a square wave it means the ECU is probably OK.
    If not you could have a bad ECU, bad TDC, CKP or CYP sensor (all three
    are built into the distributor/coil assembly) or a bad connection to any
    of the above.

    If you do not have an analog multimeter, a digital will work too, it is
    just harder to read and interpret in this case. Try the AC volts
    setting. Not having tried this, I would expect a very unsteady reading
    somewhere between 3 and 8 volts when everything is working.

    Is the Check Engine light on?
     
    Randolph, Oct 12, 2003
    #5
  6. ---------------

    Redwood,

    I'd suggest you read the description of how the 'lamp test' is done
    (it's in the owner's manual). While you're watching the lamp test,
    listen to the fuel pump run. It might even run for one elephant, two
    elephant, three elephants. If you don't hear it run at all, there's a
    problem with the main relay OR the fuel pump.

    Do a search for MAIN RELAY in this group if you're not sure.

    You failed to tell us when, how, or at what mileage (or temperature) the
    problem happened with your daughter's car.

    Maybe you should have it towed to a good 3rd party Honda service shop ?

    'Curly'

    ----------------

    To REPLY: If there are a couple of underscores in my return address,
    you must remove them to reply directly . . . . . . Thanks.

    Regarding stage performances: When everyone else has finished playing,
    you should not play any notes you have left over. -
     
    'Curly Q. Links', Oct 12, 2003
    #6
  7. Redwood

    Tony Hwang Guest

    Hi,
    Wonder if timing belt jumped.
    Tony

     
    Tony Hwang, Oct 12, 2003
    #7

  8. -------------

    Tony,

    I was going to mention the timing belt too, but since they claim the
    ignition system is OK, I figured there must be spark (but at the right
    TIME??)

    Good point, need more details too.

    'Curly'

    ------------------

    To REPLY: If there are a couple of underscores in my return address,
    you must remove them to reply directly . . . . . . Thanks.

    Regarding stage performances: When everyone else has finished playing,
    you should not play any notes you have left over. -
     
    'Curly Q. Links', Oct 12, 2003
    #8
  9. Redwood

    Redwood Guest

    The timing belt was replaced two months ago. This no start is at 118,600
    miles. The mechanic is saying there is no spark, but the ignition system,
    main relay and fuel pump are good. I am waiting until tomorrow to tow it to
    a different shop.

    Thanks
     
    Redwood, Oct 12, 2003
    #9
  10. That's not entirely correct, then is it...
     
    Stephen Bigelow, Oct 12, 2003
    #10
  11. Redwood

    Redwood Guest

    My suspicions are that the shop doesn't want to admit the distributor they
    replaced two weeks ago has a faulty componet. If so they would be out some
    $$$. If thats the case, I'll go back to speak with them after the next shop
    hopefully makes the repair.

    Thanks
     
    Redwood, Oct 12, 2003
    #11
  12. Redwood

    E. Meyer Guest

    Another thought - newer Hondas have had a lot of problems with ignition
    switches (the actual switch on the back of the key cylinder). Did they
    check for that?
     
    E. Meyer, Oct 12, 2003
    #12
  13. Redwood

    Redwood Guest

    I'll Check

     
    Redwood, Oct 13, 2003
    #13
  14. Which means? One of my co-workers bought a Toyota six months ago. It had
    thirteen miles on it when he picked it up. Two days ago it was towed to
    the shop because it broke the timing belt.

    I know, he shoulda bought a Honda instead, but even timing belts on
    those are supposed to last longer than six months.
     
    Jim Mowreader, Oct 13, 2003
    #14
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